A beautiful Western Asiatic gold pendant, featuring an ovoid amethyst bead. The amulet consists of a long gold pin surmounted with a teardrop-shaped bezel inset with a small dark hardstone bead. A pear-shaped gold element decorates the bottom of the bezel. The bottom of the pendant features an amethyst pierced through the centre secured at the bottom with a small loop. A suspension loop was added to the top. Wear and earthly encrustations to the pendant. Some warping to the gold, minor chips to the amethyst. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Such pendants would have been part of elaborate necklace or bracelet. Jewellery played an important role across many Near Eastern civilisations. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased. Measurements: L 4.2cm x W 1cm Weight: 2.15g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.